Northeast Community News – September 03, 2013
Dear Friends and Family,
What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! The sun was shining outside and the Son shone all around and through His people, too! You may not realize it, but your warmth, smiles, and joy you share is a testimony to how awesome our God is! As we gathered around the Lord’s Table this week we were reminded of the reason! Jesus!
God’s message last week came from Colossians 3:22-4:1 and titled, “Your Real Boss.” While there is little Christian reason to celebrate Labor Day, we do find clear biblical guidelines to help us understand God cares about our work, whatever that might be, and He claims it as His own! Throughout the letter to Colossians, Paul argues that lives which remain rooted and built upon Christ are different. As we yield our lives to Christ our appetites and actions change as the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out!
Paul declares throughout Colossians this transformed life ‘in Christ’ affects everything, including our work! First, Paul tells Christians they need to be people of integrity as we go about our work! (v. 22) Regardless of our situation, when we are in Christ, we are to be obedient to our earthly bosses and do our best even when nobody is watching! We work sincerely, Paul tells us, because this brings honor and glory to Christ.
Second, we need to realize our ‘real boss’ is Jesus! In vv. 23 and 24b we are reminded that when we ask Jesus to be Lord of our life we are now working for Jesus! Whatever you do for a living do it as if you were doing it for Jesus! This means your earthly boss does not have ultimate authority over you anymore. If you’re a personal assistant type that letter as if Jesus was going to sign it; if you’re a builder build as if Jesus was moving in; and if you’re a stay at home parent, care for your children like you would care for Jesus!
Finally, Paul reminds us in v. 24a and 25 our choices have consequences! He wrote, those who work at their work with their whole heart as if they are working for the Lord “will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward,” but “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism” (v. 25). Work is serious business! As a person living the Christian life your work can either bring honor to Jesus or something else! How will you choose? Will you work with your whole heart or show little concern? Choose well! Work has consequences! And those outside the Kingdom are watching!
WED. NIGHT ADULT BIBLE STUDY AT 6:30PM
This week our Adult lesson is titled, ‘A Haven for Healing’ and is based on Ezekiel 34:1-16. The author writes, “In the King’s community, the citizens are protected, loved and healed.”The Bible argues it is not the responsibility of the government to protect, love and heal people, but God and His people! Come Wed. at 6:30pm to discuss this!
ARTPRIZE WANDERING! SEP. 19, 26, OCT. 03 – 6:00-8:00PM
Do you like art? Do you like to have a fun with friends? Do you wish you could go to Artprize without having to drive downtown and park? Well, I’ve got good news for you! For 3 weeks you can join Pastor Dan in the church parking lot and ride the GRATA bus downtown, look at some art, laugh with your friends, and vote for your favorites, and ride back! The cost for the round-trip bus ride is $3 each, (but don’t let that stop you!)
NOTE: The GRATA bus leaves PROMPTLY at 6:00pm from the front of the church andleaves promptly from downtown at 7:45pm arriving back at 8:00pm! Remember to check the evening temps and dress accordingly! Questions? See Pastor Dan
Healthy Living! It is a way of life as Holiness People!
“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive…So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:23, 31).
Everything we do or do not do can bring honor or dishonor to God and be constructive or destructive to the temple of the Holy Spirit! With that said, we plan to bring a variety of articles, thoughts, and opportunities to keep the temple holy and honor God!
If you have any thoughts or suggestions for an article or would like to write one, by all means let us know! Here’s an article on hydration from the wellness council of America!
H2O – It’s an indisputable fact – every system in your body depends on water. Indeed, water flushes toxins out of your vital organs, lubricates your joints, and carries nutrients to your cells. For your body to function properly, you must replenish it with water every day. So how much water do you really need a day to remain hydrated?
Many of us have heard that we need to drink eight, eight ounce glasses of water a day, in addition to any other drinks. However, more recent recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) say that you no longer need to worry about drinking specific amounts of water. Rather, you should focus on your overall fluid intake, which can include other sources of water like milk, coffee, tea (yeah, that’s right, coffee and tea) soup, and unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Believe it or not, your body absorbs the water in these items the same way it would with a bottle of water.
The IOM recommends healthy women should aim for about 91 ounces (11-plus cups a day) of fluids and men should shoot for 125 ounces (15-plus cups a day). Of course, water should remain your ideal beverage of choice, and always keep in mind that soft drinks, sports drinks, and juices often pack extra calories and sugar.
Thirsty? If you want to maintain the ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’ it sounds like ‘water,’ the Living Kind and material kind is still the best choice for the body and soul!
Blessings! Pastor Dan
Hello from Pastor Amy, your Associate Pastor/Administrative Secretary
My office hours vary on Tuesdays, so if you need to see me, just call! My responsibilities also include preparing our weekly program, so if you have an event that you would like to put in the program or newsletter, or a prayer request to publish, please contact me!
Also, we have a long, ongoing list of prayer requests. Please keep me updated. Requests will be pulled from the newsletter & program after three weeks.
My Contact Info: 616-514-9521 or aorban@nnu.edu
NEWS AND EVENTS
School Pal-Pak Thank You!
For the month of August we collected items for our school pal-paks for our Nazarene Missions International department. This year we are thrilled to send TWO boxes or TWENTY pal paks which will go to help students all over the world have the supplies they need for their education. We also received some extra items which will be donated to our local NECM mission! Thank you all for your generosity!
First Friday Chinese Lunch Continues – Friday September 06 @ 11:30am
Everyone is invited to a Chinese lunch on the First Friday of every month at 11:30am. The group meets at the Hibachi on Alpine located behind the Target. The food is cheap and delicious, and conversation is even better. You are welcome to bring a friend! Talk to Tracy Tamm with questions.
Nelson Vanderlugt from the Gideons is Coming to Visit! This Sunday September 8!
On September 08th during our morning worship service, we will once again be welcoming Nelson Vanderlugt from the Gideons. If you don’t know, the Gideons work to provide the Bibles which can be found in places like hotel rooms and prisons. Often, this provides a way for God’s Word to be available for people in desperate need. Nelson will give us a report from the work of the Gideons, and we will also be taking a love offering for the Gideons, so be prepared to give to this excellent cause!
Alabaster Offering – Sunday September 15th
Our Fall Alabaster Offering will be held during service on Sunday September 15th. If you don’t know, our Alabaster Offering comes from our Nazarene Missions International department, and is taken twice per year. Every penny we receive from this offering goes directly to the global mission field, to be used for the purchase of land and buildings. You can get your own Alabaster box off of the soundboard in the sanctuary. Fill it with loose change, and bring it on the 15th! Children can participate too!
Come to the Fire Women’s Conference PLANNING MEETING – September 15th
Attention all women, you are invited to the Come to the Fire annual women’s conference October 17-19. The conference will be held Holland, MI. We are holding a planning meeting for any women interested in coming! If you are interested, join us after Sundayservice on September 15th to plan transportation, meals, and lodging! Last year, a group of us traveled to the conference, stayed in a hotel, and were blessed by it! It is a great weekend of worship, teaching, fellowship and renewal. There is no cost for registration, but we will be discussing how to pay for meals and lodging. If you are interested in attending this conference, please talk to Pastor Amy or Janie soon! For more information, you can also grab a pamphlet from the table outside of the sanctuary, or go to cometothefire.org.
Mission Mania & Missionary Visit – September 21-22
Everyone is invited to Mission Mania which is taking place in Grand Haven on Saturday September 21 from 5:30pm-8pm. Mission Mania is full of activities, as well as missionary speakers. But there’s more! These same missionaries, (Charlie, Carney, and daughter Alyssa) from Paraguay will be coming to our church the very next day on Sunday, September 22nd! Why not make it a Missions weekend, and attend Mission Mania and Sunday service with our missionaries? See details for Mission Mania on the bulletin boards or talk to Janie Hathaway. Please note we will also be taking a love offering for the missionaries when they visit us on Sunday the 22nd.
Tri-District Men’s Retreat – Friday September 20 thru Saturday September 21
Attention all men, you are invited to attend a tri-district men’s retreat being held at Lost Valley Bible Farm in Gaylord, MI. Activities will include teaching, small groups, golf, trap shooting, rifle range, basketball, fishing, horseshoes, deer rifle sight-in and table tennis. The cost is only $55 per person, meals included. We would love to send a group of men from our church! Registration deadline is September 08th, talk to Pastor Dan!
Wednesday Night Potluck Dinners Return in September!
We went on break for summer, but we will be continuing our Wednesday night dinners which will take place on the LAST Wednesday of every month beginning in September. Bring a dish to pass and join us for good food and fellowship! Regular Bible study follows at 6:30pm. Talk to Julie Orban to help setup or cleanup.
Next Dinner: Wednesday September 25 @ 5:30pm
TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER MEETINGS 9AM-10AM
Come pray with us on Tuesday mornings! Everyone is invited to join us for an hour of prayer. We all know many who need Jesus, and many who have other needs. We believe that prayer really does change things, and God really does love the world – especially those who don’t know Jesus yet! Who could you be praying for? It is a midweek blessing and encouragement to join with other believers in prayer! See you Tuesday!
Fall Events at Indian Lake
Here are Fall Events coming soon at Indian Lake:
Evangelist Homecoming Meeting: The third annual evangelist homecoming meeting will take place over the weekend of August 31- September 2. Everyone is invited to this weekend of enrichment and fellowship, including preaching, teaching, equipping, and a song evangelist’s concert. More details can be found at www.nazcamp.org
Craft and Scrapbooking Weekend: This weekend is just for ladies and takes place fromNovember 1-3. The cost is $25 per day which includes a table, meals, games, prizes, snacks, and devotion time. Lodging costs vary. More details at www.nazcamp.org
PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT IN CHURCH!
Do you play an instrument or used to play an instrument and want to use your gift to bless others and glorify the Lord? Recently, the church purchased sheet music to the hymnal we use for flute/oboe and clarinet. Trombone is also available. We would love to have a few people play their instruments occasionally during the offering time! If you are interested or even think you might be interested see Pastor Dan.
Postcard Greetings Now Available
Don’t forget, we have NE Community postcards and they are available to anyone who would like to send them to invite, encourage, miss, or welcome someone to the church! Interested? See a Sunday school teacher or Pastor Amy or Dan.
Upcoming Events
September 06 First Friday Chinese Lunch, 11:30am Hibachi Alpine
September 08 Gideon Visit during morning worship service
September 08 Registration for Tri-District Men’s Retreat due
September 10 Tuesday Morning Prayer Meeting @ 9am
September 15 Alabaster Offering
September 15 Meeting for women attending Come to the Fire – after worship
September 21 Mission Mania 5:30pm – 8pm Grand Haven, MI
September 22 Missionary visit!
September 25 Weds Night Dinner @ 5:30pm
October 17-19 Come to the Fire Women’s Conference in Holland
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